500MM or 600MM

Rovers_Andy

Rovers_Andy

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Andy
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Im looking at adding something longer to add to my lineup

I currently use the 400MM f/2.8 AFS VR with either a 1.7 or 1.4 TC on D3S.

I find i can handhold the 400MM with D3S and TC's.

So if you were in my situation would you go for a 500MM or 600MM?

For close up Hide work i'm saving for a 200-400MM but for longer distance stuff the 400MM doesn't really cut it, even with the 1.7TC.

I tried the D300S but didn't really get on with it so for the moment i'm sticking to full frame.

There's a lot of experienced people here who's work i respect so i would really value peoples experience shooting with 500's and 600's and if they would change lens if they had the chance.

At the moment i'm leaning towards the 600MM as for trips abroad the 400MM can be taken as hand luggage, i'm aware the 600MM can't
 
I'd be trying the 2 x III converter on the 400mm first. It works superbly on the 300mm 2.8 and the 70-200mm vrII.
So much so, I sold my 200-400mm. It really is that good!
An example, 300mm with 2 x converter handheld in poor light and subject doing about 400knots:

DSC_5043b.jpg



Kev.
 
kevshore said:
I'd be trying the 2 x III converter on the 400mm first. It works superbly on the 300mm 2.8 and the 70-200mm vrII.
So much so, I sold my 200-400mm. It really is that good!
An example, 300mm with 2 x converter handheld in poor light and subject doing about 400knots:

DSC_5043b.jpg



Kev.
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:eek: thats pretty impressive, i wonder what its like on a 500/600 :naughty:
 
If keeping the 400 f2.8 then there is only one choice and that is the 600mm., you can use the 1.4, 1.7 and 2x tc ( tc III ).I used the 500 and would normally say go for the 500mm but your situation is different from most as you have the 400mm and its just to close to the 500mm to have you buy that.I really wish i was in the situation to have the choice like you have right now.
 
I looked at the 600mm and decided that for me it was too bigger lump to drag up the hills for my shooting.
I'm likely to add the 400mm now though and couple that to the 2 x.


Kev.
 
markyboy.1967 said:
If keeping the 400 f2.8 then there is only one choice and that is the 600mm., you can use the 1.4, 1.7 and 2x tc ( tc III ).I used the 500 and would normally say go for the 500mm but your situation is different from most as you have the 400mm and its just to close to the 500mm to have you buy that.I really wish i was in the situation to have the choice like you have right now.
Click to expand...

Hi Mark

Thats pretty much the conclusion i am coming too, having the 400 it wouldn't make sense to have a 500 too. Some seem to think the 600 is slower to AF than the 500 but i haven't seen anything to confirm at and the 600 is hardly going to be a dog at 7K upwards for a new one.


Kev the 400 is only 0.4kg lighter than the 600mm, looking at the specs, you can handhold the 400 if your a decent build though i've no idea how easy it would be tracking the fast jets with it
 
kevshore said:
I'd be trying the 2 x III converter on the 400mm first. It works superbly on the 300mm 2.8 and the 70-200mm vrII.
So much so, I sold my 200-400mm. It really is that good!
An example, 300mm with 2 x converter handheld in poor light and subject doing about 400knots:

DSC_5043b.jpg



Kev.
Click to expand...

That is possibly the most impressive aircraft shot I have ever seen! :thumbs:
 
I had the 400mm 2.8 is & 600mm 4 is in the canon range they complement each other very well but at the end of the day i didnt use the 2x tc on the 600mm so sold the 600mm and kept just the 400mm 2.8 never regretted the decision.

the 400 2.8 is so versatile.

400mm 2.8
400mm + 1.4x = 560 f4
400mm + 2x = 800mm f5.6

the 600mm + 1.4x = 840mm f5.6

image quality and AF speed were as near identical as didnt matter.

just my 2 cents worth.

Mark
 
The image quality on the 600mm with the 1.4x will be significantly than the 400mm 2x III if you have to crop.

Forget the 500 you've got the 400 your not going to need an extra 100 if your going to upgrade go the whole hog and get the 600!

The length you can get with the 2x 600 and a FX or DX camera will be huge. The magnification will be vast ^^

EDIT -

Thought you may find this helpful - http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/500vs600.shtml
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Rovers_Andy said:
thanks for the link James,

:welcome: to the forum too
Click to expand...

No problem and thanks!

I'm currently looking into purchasing a big lenses this year. I have a suspicion that Nikon is going to be upgrading its 600mm VR this year so I'm renting on the 3 trips I want it on.

May I suggest that you do the same till you decide?
 
The 2x iii converter on the 600mm is next to useless, painfully slow to focus if it focuses at all and due to the 1200 mm focal length it's very prone to even the most minute of movements affecting the iq

I use the 600mm f4 vr on my D3s and it really is hard work to lug around any distance, it's not one to travel with either
 
Hairyduck said:
The 2x iii converter on the 600mm is next to useless, painfully slow to focus if it focuses at all and due to the 1200 mm focal length it's very prone to even the most minute of movements affecting the iq

I use the 600mm f4 vr on my D3s and it really is hard work to lug around any distance, it's not one to travel with either
Click to expand...




I had been told that by a friend who also has one. :thumbs:


Kev.
 
kevshore said:
I had been told that by a friend who also has one. :thumbs:


Kev.
Click to expand...

i guess it depends what your used to, at the moment i take the 400 f/2.8 around. looking at the specs it weighs exactly the same as the NON VR 600 f/4.
 
I know he used to use the 400mm also Andy. I think its more down to the size/bulk than the weight.
I could be wrong. :shrug: I'll have to have a play with one at focus. ;)

Kev.
 
i guess it depends what your used to
Click to expand...

Really true, they produce the 600mm for people can walk for miles with it others can't leave the car. Depends what your into!
 
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